about Jessica Thomas Jewelry
A native of the south, Jessica attended North Carolina State University’s School of Design, and majored in Industrial Design. Though she enjoyed her industrial design classes, she was always attracted to accessories and their design. It was while taking a metalsmithing class during a summer break that she began to see jewelry design as the way to combine her education in industrial design with her love of accessories. Upon graduation, Jessica decided to take a career opportunity in exhibit design, and it was during this time that she realized that her creative spirit was longing to express itself through jewelry design, metals and gemstones.
Jessica applied and was accepted to the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. It was here that her formal education in jewelry production began. She studied stone setting and fabrication and received the training and instruction needed to fine-tune her design and fabrication skills. Jessica was awarded the designation of Jewelers of America (JA) Certified Bench Jeweler Technician (CBJT) certificate. She is one of three North Carolinian jewelers to receive this honor.
Jessica returned to North Carolina with a newfound enthusiasm and eagerness to begin her career in jewelry design. She began designing her own line of jewelry, which is produced in her Raleigh, NC based studio. Each piece is designed and produced individually by hand. Her use of semi-precious stones and metals in her designs reflects a sense of femininity and contemporary style. Jessica is meticulous and passionate about her designs, which is evident in the quality of each of her pieces. “My inspiration stems from my affection for art, travel and fashion. My handmade feminine jewelry adapts to any occasion from a high end fashion event to casual day style.” In September 2005, Jessica tackled the challenging task of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. This is one of many trips that influence her designs.
Since launching her business, Jessica has sold to hundreds of boutiques across the country and has been featured in many national fashion publications such as Sports Illustrated, Vanity Fair, In Style, Lucky, Martha Stewart Weddings and many others. Her jewelry can be seen on celebrities such as Nip/Tuck’s Joely Richardson, LeAnn Rimes, Grammy Nominee, Tift Merritt, CSI: Miami’s, Emily Proctor, and E! News Live, Giuliana Depandi. Most Recently Jessica's coin necklaces were featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition 2008.
Jessica resides in Raleigh, NC with her husband, Tim and son Thomas. When she is not in her studio creating and designing, she enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with her family and Yorkshire terrier,Coco.